Governor Abbott Strengthens Summer Camp Safety, Flood Warning Systems Following Tragic Camp Incident
AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott today signed into law a package of bills designed to enhance safety measures at Texas youth camps and improve flood warning capabilities across the state, responding to the recent drowning of a camper at a Hill country camp. The legislation, spurred by the death of a 17-year-old during a flash flood at Camp Capers in June, aims to prevent future tragedies and provide greater peace of mind for parents sending children to summer camps.
The new laws-House Bill 1 (Youth CAMPER Act) and Senate Bill 1 (Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act)-establish stricter regulations for youth camps, notably regarding emergency preparedness and location. Senate Bill 3 creates a grant program to bolster flash flood warning systems in vulnerable communities. These measures represent a meaningful overhaul of existing safety standards and a commitment to protecting young Texans.
House Bill 1 requires all youth camps to develop and maintain updated emergency plans, conduct regular staff training, and ensure campers are properly oriented to safety procedures. Critically, the bill mandates that camps notify parents of any potential floodplain risks and obtain signed acknowledgements. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is granted authority to enforce these regulations through inspections, investigations of complaints, and the potential suspension or denial of camp licenses.Senate Bill 1, dubbed the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, goes further by prohibiting DSHS from issuing licenses to youth camps with cabins located in FEMA-designated floodplains, with limited exceptions. It also mandates annual emergency training,establishes a publicly accessible online registry of licensed camps,and extends safety standards to campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks.
Recognizing the importance of early warning systems, senate Bill 3 establishes a grant program within the Office of the Governor to provide financial assistance to local governments for the installation of early-warning sirens in areas susceptible to flash flooding.
Governor Abbott met privately with families affected by the Camp Capers tragedy to offer his support. Additional photos from the bill signing event are available [here](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%3A%25252F%25252Fwww.dropbox.com%25252Fscl%25252Ffo%25252Fpsubk7d3uzs6h6sgdxxxg%25252FAEi4zgRUZCEyNnrmtnhdfw%25253Frlkey%3Djk3axiouhb9cq7ny678thtnji%252526st%3Devz7yuvq%252526dl%3D0%252F1%252F010001991ae3e4e7-0c0c11d7-36b3-4ff6-a6d4-7d36091deed9-000000%252Fa9KhBQKvnGAGRmneuMtcRriQjbUYBaIazrZVz1OLk%3D421%2F1%2F010001991af00759-b3e1317d-f6be-49ac-8d01-dc123a098514-000000%2Fj7Y3GJG9O9zotVq-8aiBVuZODk9w-LF7UWTRqlntuM%3D421&data=05%7C02%7Cadaline.utley%40gov.texas.gov%7C2ef7
